Why are Ontario’s public universities and colleges members of business lobby group?

A number of Ontario universities and colleges are paying members of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) – the business lobby group advocating for the rollback of fair labour laws, including paid sick days, fair scheduling rights, and equal pay for contract, part-time and casual workers, in addition to the cancellation of the $15 minimum wage.

Given the devastating impacts Bill 47 will have on our campus communities, why are universities and colleges members of this organization? As public institutions committed to expanding knowledge, should universities be supporting a group that spreads misinformation and advocates against basic protections that benefit thousands of students and campus workers?

The majority of Ontarians support decent work laws because they understand their benefits. Universities and colleges should publicly distance themselves from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to undermine fair labour laws and reconsider their memberships with this organization.

Below is a full list of the public colleges and universities in Ontario who are members of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce: